Reports: Jennifer Lopez Joining 'American Idol'

By PopEater Staff Posted Jul 30th 2010 09:35AM

The Great 'American Idol' Shakeup is moving full speed ahead following Thursday night's bombshell that Ellen DeGeneres is leaving the show. Now, there are reports Jennifer Lopez -- no stranger to 'Idol' judging rumors -- is close to inking a deal to replace the departing DeGeneres.

Though Team Lopez and FOX officials have not yet commented, a Deadline Hollywood source claims the singer's manager has been working on the deal "under the utmost secrecy" for a month. The AP is reporting the same, citing a person familiar with the negotiations.

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Her appointment to the judges' table could be a boon for Lopez's career, which has stalled in recent years, resulting in her leaving longtime record label Sony. The job wouldn't be much of a stretch for the singer-actress, who appeared on the show in 2007 as a mentor and received rave reviews for her work with the singers.

During her short tenure on the show, critics slammed DeGeneres for her often vague and seemingly scripted critiques of the contestants, as well as her lack of experience in the music industry.

Such complaints would not apply to Lopez, 41, a veteran singer with nine top ten singles and worldwide album sales in excess of 25 million who began her career as a dancer on the hit show 'In Living Color.'

DeGeneres announced Thursday that she is leaving the show after only one season, following fellow judge Simon Cowell out the door.

"A couple months ago, I let FOX and the 'American Idol' producers know that this didn't feel like the right fit for me," she said. "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings."

DeGeneres told the network she would hold off on leaving 'Idol' until they could "figure out where they wanted to take the panel next."

Kara DioGuardi, who just completed her second year on the show, is not under contract next year and FOX has not announced if she'll return. Randy Jackson is expected to stay on the panel. While the network has not announced who will replace Cowell, rumors are flying that returning producer Nigel Lythgoe (who is a judge on 'So You Think You Can Dance') could fill the seat.

Has 'American Idol' run its course? PopEater asked New Yorkers -- see the video:

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Jennifer Lopez Snapshots

Jennifer Lopez goes for a walk with her twins Emme and Max, their nanny, and a bodyguard in Miami on June 28. Check Out More J.Lo Pics >>

KADENA PIX/bauergriffinonline.com

Jennifer Lopez Photos

©BAUER-GRIFFIN.COM Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo) and Marc Anthony arrive in Mexico with their children Emme Maribel Muniz and Maximilian 'Max' David Muniz (b. February 22, 2008). Maybe in time to celebrate J.Lo turning 41 today... EXCLUSIVE July 23, 2010 Job: 100724Z1 Mexico www.bauergriffin.com www.bauergriffinonline.com

Jennifer Lopez Photos

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony were in Malibu doing a photoshoot on the beach with twins Emme and Max (b. .February 22, 2008) J-Lo was looking good during the sunset magic hour and the twins are running around on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 X17online.com exclusive

Jennifer Lopez Photos

Tags: American Idol, jennifer lopez

Comments

(15)

Friday 30 July

By Trisha

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I don't know about this. When she is interviewed she always has a silly laugh at the end of each sentence. You will see what I mean if you watch her next interview. That might get a little tiresome after awhile.

By TONY

AT LEAST JLO HAS MORE TALENT THAN ELLIN.

By New York

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Actually I would have preferred Harry Connick Jr. He worked well & brought out the best in all of them. He also seemed very dedicated & took a sincere interest in each of their distinct talents. J Lo is too much into herself.

By Celine

No one in their right mind or with half a career left would want this job. Anyone who does will have a giant "L" branded on their forehead.

By athena

Definitly would look forwrd to Nigel being a judge. He's salty, truthful and entertaining. A perfect choice!

By Diane

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Let it go already! American Idol is done....Without Simon & Paula the show is over...move on, its had its run. BORING

By MAGOOS

DeGeneres has the courage to admit she was misplaced in this program. I respect her for that and for her efforts to carry the job. DioGuardi is irritating but not as much as Lopez would be. Randy Jackson is just that; Randy Jackson. This program has degenerated into a karaoke contest with little real talent. just a line of same old, same old. Perhaps it is time to put it in the can.

Why do we need the judges anyway. Let Ryan introduce them & let America vote. These judges only confuse the poor kids & repeat the same old suggestions to everyone. Borrrring. Guest hosts like Harry Connick Jr can guide them but the judges are useless. Get rid of em.

By roseann

Let's get real. Ellen didn't quit, she was fired but ALLOWED to say she quit. She was the absolute worst. Without her and hopefully, without Kara, I might just watch what was once my favorite show

By monieet

Its offical. J.Lo's career is over. It is not going to work. Keep looking.

By Georgann

I always watched American Idol, but I think it has run its time.
A very good show , now we need somethng more refreshing. I loved all the Judges. Good Luck Guys

Saturday 31 July

By TEXAS PRINCESS

I also enjoyed Idol but I must say without Simon's saltness and humor..it might be a bit zzzzzz's. Wouldn't a country singer be useful? Garth Brooks? or ????

By reni

WHY DO THEY KEEP INSISTING TO PUT IN PEOPLE WHO THEY THEMSELVES CANT'T SING?! J-LO CAN NOT SING SHE CAN DANCE BUT THAT'S IT! PAULA CAN'T EVEN SING BUT SHE CAN DANCE! SO WHY HAVE THEM TO JUDGE POTENTIAL SINGING STARS WHEN THEIRS FADED A WHILE AGO? THEY NEED TO TRY OUT WITH SOMEONE WHOSE A NATURAL SINGER LIKE JOAN ARMATRADING OR TINA TURNER OR JON BON JOVI OR SOMEONE LIKE THAT NOT PEOPLE WHO NEEDED ELECTRONICS TO MAKE THEMSELVES SOUND LIKE THEY'RE REALLY JAMMING ON THEIR SONGS! NO! PEOPLE LIKE J-LO AND BRITNEY AND PAULA AND JANET ALL NEED TO TAKE SINGING LESSONS CAUSE THEY CAN'T SING WORTH A DAMN! FOR REAL! PUT SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT SINGING IS BE IT HIGH OR LOW NOTES.

By tuffpaw

Wonder if she'll keep using AutoTune when she does her contestant critiques.

By Deborah

Why would J-LO want to do this? Steven Tyler Please!!! Harry Connick Jr. YES!!! Please bring in someone also Country>

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